Marantz HD-DAC1 Headphone Amplifier with DAC-mode

Marantz announced their first headphone amplifier featuring integrated DAC, the retro-styled wooden HD-DAC1 for $799. This ultra-high quality component uses amplification technologies from Marantz’s high-end Premium 11 Series to improve the headphone listening experience, but can also connect to an integrated amplifier, active speakers, or power amps to improve home audio.

The HD-DAC1 is so powerful, it can even drive audiophile high-impedance headphones of up to 600 ohm – with complete MODE ease. All thanks to its three-level gain control, Marantz HDAM-SA2 modules, a high current audiophile DAC (CS4398), and its Premium Quality fixed and variable RCA outputs. It is so powerful, it not only drives headphones, users

Optical and coaxial digital inputs as well as a USB-B port enable them to stream music directly from a PC or MAC. iDevices can also be connected via the USB port on the front. For even more connectivity they have also included an analog input. The USB-B works in asynchronous mode to support not only 192 kHz/24bits high-resolution audio but also the DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz for maximized performance and the most direct way to enjoy excellent quality.

To safeguard quality when connected to a computer, Marantz built extended isolation around the USB-B input to eliminate the chance of high frequency noise generated by the computer entering the HD-DAC1. A jitter remover and Dual Clock ensure extreme accuracy.

Price and Availability

The Marantz HD-DAC1 will be available in black from October 2014 for $799.